Cannulated lag screws for Hoffa fracture:evaluation for functional recovery

Chen Tie-zhu; Wang Yi-sheng

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.17.013

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Hoffa fracture belongs to intraarticular fracture, and is rare in the clinic. It is difficult to be diagnosed in clinic and radiographs. Missed diagnosis easily occurs, so it is hard to be cured. Improper therapy would induce disunion of fracture or knee dysfunction. <br> OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of Hoffa fracture treated with cannulated lag screws. <br> METHODS:From May 2007 to April 2012, seven patients with Hoffa fracture were treated with cannulated lag screws, including 5 males and 2 females, aged from 23 to 57 years old, averagely 37 years old. They accepted the X-ray, CT and MRI examinations of anteroposterior and lateral knee joints. After surgery, facture healing, the incidence of complications and recovery of limb function were observed during fol ow-up. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al patients were fol owed up for 18-36 months, averagely 24 months. Fractures were healed. Complications did not occur such as loosing fixation and fracture re-displacement. The range of motion of knee joint was greater than 110°. According to the knee Letenneur assessment criteria, there were excellent in six cases and good in one case. According to the U.S. Hospital for Special Surgery knee score, the efficacy was excellent. Results suggested that cannulated lag screws for Hoffa fracture were characterized by stable fixation, few complications, early functional exercises and good efficacy.